If possible, it’s best to avoid phone interviews when interviewing for dental jobs. It can be tough to connect with someone over the phone, making an interview even more challenging. However, in some cases, you may be unable to avoid a phone interview, whether an employer insists on an initial phone interview or you live too far from the employer to have an in-person interview. If you do end up needing to do a long distance phone interview, it’s important to know how to nail these interviews, so you have the best chances of getting the dental job you want. Here are some essential tips that will help you make the most of a phone interview.

Tip #1 – Treat It Like Any Other Interview

Many dental professionals make the mistake of treating phone interviews as informal interviews. However, if you want to nail the interview and score the job, it’s important to treat it as you would any other interview. This means you need to be well-prepared and focused, ensuring you are knowledgeable about the job and the company. The good news is that interviewing on the phone allows you to keep the company’s materials in front of you for reference during the interview. Plenty of preparation and professionalism is essential. In fact, you may even want to dress up for the phone interview, just as you would for an in-person interview.

Tip #2 – Never Interview on the Spot

If a dental office calls you and wants an interview, make sure that you avoid interviewing on the spot. You can suggest that the individual calls you back at an agreed upon time. Why avoid interviewing on the spot? You may not be in the right place for an interview. A lot of distractions or noise could be a problem. Interviewing on the spot would also mean that you aren’t prepared mentally for the interview. By asking for an appointment for the interview at a later time, you’ll have the chance to focus on your skills, talents, the company, and the job, while also having some time to collect your thoughts, so you are prepared to put your best foot forward.

Tip #3 – Prepare for Basic Questions

Before your phone interview, make sure that you’re prepared for basic interview questions. Since you’ll be talking on the phone, hesitation before your answers could end up hurting you. Some of the common questions that you may hear during a phone interview include:

Can you tell me a bit more about your experience?

Why do you want to work for our practice?

Why do you plan to leave your current dental job?

What’s your current salary?

How much do you know about your practice?

Make sure that you know your answers to common questions. You may even want to practice giving your answers, so you don’t pause or hesitate during your answers while on the phone.

Tip #4 – Stay in Control of Your Environment

Stay in control of your environment when you have your phone interview. You want to plan to take the phone call in a place that is distraction-free and quiet. Choose somewhere where you will not be disturbed during the interview. If you have pets or children at home that may disturb you, consider a quiet room at a library or heading outside if it’s fairly quiet. Distractions during an interview will make the interviewer get the impression that you’re not making them a priority or that you are too busy for the job, so ensuring that you’re in control of your environment is essential during the interview.

Tip #5 – Ask Some Questions You’ve Prepared

Prepare questions that you can ask during your phone interview. Most employers will ask if you have any questions, and having some well-prepared questions shows enthusiasm for the job. This is a chance to really shine, so use this time to ask about different aspects of the job or how you can use your experience to help the practice. Remember, this isn’t the time to ask about benefits, salary, or start dates. Use good questions to make your experience and enthusiasm stand out

Tip #6 – Wear a Smile and Stand Up

Last, when you’re having your phone interview for dental jobs, make sure you wear a smile and stand up while you’re on the phone. When you stand, you’ll project your voice better, which will make you sound more confident and strong. Remember, your voice is essential during an interview over the phone. Smiling will also make your voice have enthusiasm, bringing out your personality while you’re talking on the phone. You may even want to write a note reminding yourself to smile during the conversation.

While phone interviews may not be the ideal way to sell yourself, with these tips, you can have a great interview via the phone. Being well-prepared and focusing on coming across as confident can help you get to the next step of the hiring process.